U.S. patent application number 10/964223 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-19 for end cap.
Invention is credited to Astle, Robert A., Haney, Thayne B., Strong, L. Curtis, Winter, David C..
Application Number | 20050103241 10/964223 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34555868 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050103241 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Winter, David C. ; et
al. |
May 19, 2005 |
End cap
Abstract
An end cap for a structure such as a table leg is disclosed. The
end cap may include a retention assembly with an elongated body and
a head. The elongated body may be disposed inside an opening in the
table leg and the head may be disposed outside the opening in the
table leg. The end cap may also include an annular member and at
least a portion of the table leg may be disposed inside the annular
member. The annular member may also include a lip and the lip is
preferably disposed between an end of the table leg and the head of
the retention assembly to limit axial movement of the annular
member relative to the table leg. Advantageously, because the
annular portion of the end cap may rotate relative to the table
leg, it may allow the table to be easily moved.
Inventors: |
Winter, David C.; (Layton,
UT) ; Strong, L. Curtis; (Clearfield, UT) ;
Haney, Thayne B.; (Syracuse, UT) ; Astle, Robert
A.; (Logan, UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WORKMAN NYDEGGER
(F/K/A WORKMAN NYDEGGER & SEELEY)
60 EAST SOUTH TEMPLE
1000 EAGLE GATE TOWER
SALT LAKE CITY
UT
84111
US
|
Family ID: |
34555868 |
Appl. No.: |
10/964223 |
Filed: |
October 12, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10964223 |
Oct 12, 2004 |
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29180019 |
Apr 17, 2003 |
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D497746 |
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10964223 |
Oct 12, 2004 |
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29189140 |
Aug 20, 2003 |
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60512614 |
Oct 20, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
108/161 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 91/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/161 |
International
Class: |
A47B 013/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A table comprising: a table top; at least one table leg attached
to the table top, the table leg including an opening; and an end
cap attached to the table leg, the end cap comprising: a retention
assembly including a body and a head, at least a substantial
portion of the body being disposed inside the opening in the table
leg, at least a substantial portion of the head being disposed
outside the opening in the table leg; and an annular member
including a first end, a second end, an inner surface and an outer
surface, at least a portion of the table leg being disposed inside
the annular member, at least a portion of the annular member being
disposed between the table leg and the head of the retention
assembly, the annular member being rotatable relative to the table
leg to facilitate movement of the table.
2. The table as in claim 1, wherein the annular member includes a
lip that is sized and configured to limit axial movement of the
annular member with respect to the table leg.
3. The table as in claim 1, wherein the lip of the annular member
is at least partially disposed between the head of the retention
assembly and the table leg.
4. The table as in claim 1, further comprising one or more
engagement members extending from the body of the retention
assembly, the one or more engagement members being sized and
configured to engage at least a portion of the table leg to secure
the retention assembly to the table leg.
5. The table as in claim 4, wherein the engagement members include
a tapered outer portion that is sized and configured to engage an
inner surface of the opening in the table leg.
6. The table as in claim 4, wherein the engagement members include
at least one protrusion that is sized and configured to engage an
inner surface of the opening in the table leg.
7. The table as in claim 1, wherein the body of the retention
assembly has a generally X-shaped cross-sectional
configuration.
8. The table as in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
grooves in the inner surface of the annular member, the annular
member being sized and configured to freely rotate about the table
leg.
9. The table as in claim 1, wherein the table leg includes a foot
and the end cap is attached to the foot of the table leg.
10. The table as in claim 1, wherein the head of the retention
assembly has an outer diameter that is larger than an outer
diameter of the body of the retention assembly; wherein an inner
diameter of the annular member is larger than an outer diameter of
the table leg; and wherein an inner diameter of the lip is smaller
than the outer diameter of the table leg.
11. An end cap that is sized and configured to be attached to an
opening in support leg for a structure, the end cap comprising: a
retention assembly including a body and a head, at least a portion
of the body being disposed inside the opening in the support leg,
at least a portion of the head being disposed outside the opening
in the support leg, the head having a larger outer diameter than an
outer diameter of the body; and an annular member including a first
end, a second end, an inner surface, an outer surface and a lip, at
least a portion of the support leg being disposed inside the
annular member, at least a portion of the lip being disposed
between the support leg and the head of the retention assembly, the
annular member being rotatable relative to the support leg to
facilitate movement of the structure.
12. The end cap as in claim 11, wherein the lip extends inwardly
from the first end of the annular member and the lip is sized and
configured to limit axial movement of the annular member with
respect to the table leg.
13. The end cap as in claim 11, further comprising an inner
diameter of the lip that is less than an outer diameter of the
table leg, and an inner diameter of the annular member that is
greater than the outer diameter of the table leg.
14. The end cap as in claim 11, further comprising one or more
engagement members extending from the body of the retention
assembly, the one or more engagement members being sized and
configured to engage at least a portion of the opening in the
support leg to secure the retention assembly to the support
leg.
15. The end cap as in claim 14, wherein the engagement members
include a tapered outer portion that is sized and configured to
engage an inner surface of the opening in the support leg.
16. The end cap as in claim 14, wherein the engagement members
include at least one protrusion that is sized and configured to
engage an inner surface of the opening in the support leg.
17. The end cap as in claim 11, wherein the body of the retention
assembly has a generally X-shaped cross-sectional
configuration.
18. The end cap as in claim 11, further comprising a plurality of
grooves in the inner surface of the annular member, the annular
member being sized and configured to freely rotate about the
support leg.
19. The end cap as in claim 11, wherein the support leg includes a
foot and the end cap is attached to the foot of the support
leg.
20. An end cap system for a structure including at least a first
support leg and a second support leg, the end cap system
comprising: a first end cap connected to the first support leg, the
first end cap comprising: a retention assembly including a body and
a head, at least a portion of the body being disposed inside an
opening in the first support leg, at least a portion of the head
being disposed outside the opening in the first support leg; and an
annular member including a first end, a second end, an inner
surface, an outer surface and a lip, at least a portion of the
first support leg being disposed inside the annular member, at
least a portion of the lip being disposed between the first support
leg and the head of the retention assembly, the annular member
being rotatable relative to the first support leg to facilitate
movement of the structure; and a second end cap connected to the
second support leg, the second end cap comprising: a retention
assembly including a body and a head, at least a portion of the
body being disposed inside an opening in the second support leg, at
least a portion of the head being disposed outside the opening in
the second support leg; and an annular member securely attached to
the retention assembly in a fixed, non-rotatable configuration, at
least a portion of the second support leg being disposed inside the
annular member; wherein the first end cap is sized and configured
to facilitate movement of the structure and the second end cap is
sized and configured to resist movement of the structure.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/512,614, filed Oct. 20,
2003, entitled END CAP. This application is a continuation-in-part
of U.S. Design Patent Application Ser. No. 29/180,019, filed Apr.
17, 2003, entitled END CAP FOR A TABLE LEG, and this application is
a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design Patent Application Ser. No.
29/189,140, filed Aug. 20, 2003, entitled END CAP. The disclosures
of each of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference
herein in their entireties.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention generally relates to an end cap for a
structure such as a table leg and, in particular, to an end cap for
a structure such as a table leg that may facilitate movement of the
table.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Many types of conventional structures include one or more
legs or leg assemblies. For example, known structures such as
tables, chairs, benches, desks and stands typically include at
least two legs or leg assemblies to support the structure above a
surface such as a floor. In particular, many of these structures
include four legs positioned near the corners of the structure and
one or more of the legs may be connected by an elongated member
such as a support bar. These known legs and leg assemblies may have
a wide variety of shapes and designs. For example, the legs and leg
assemblies may simply consist of elongated members that extend
generally vertically towards the ground. The legs and leg
assemblies may also include a foot, such as an elongated bar or
rod, that is positioned generally parallel to the ground.
[0006] Conventional legs and leg assemblies frequently have an
assortment of suitable types of feet attached to the legs or leg
assemblies to help protect the structures or the support surface
from damage. In particular, the feet may lift the legs or legs
assemblies slightly above the support surface, such as the floor or
the ground, and the feet may allow the structure to slide along the
floor or ground. Disadvantageously, as discussed below,
conventional feet often mar or leave marks along the floor or
ground as the feet slide along the surface.
[0007] In greater detail, feet are typically attached to the ends
of a foot that is connected to the bottom of the legs or leg
assemblies. The foot is often a generally cylindrical member that
may be used to increase the stability of the structure, and the
foot may be used to help prevent the structure from being
inadvertently tipped or knocked over. The foot may also be a hollow
tubular member and the foot often has a length that is
approximately equal to the width of the structure. The feet may be
used to prevent foreign objects from entering the hollow foot and
the feet may be used for aesthetic reasons. Additionally, the feet
may provide a surface that contacts the floor or ground, and that
surface may allow the structure to slide along the floor or
ground.
[0008] Conventional feet attached to structures such as tables and
chairs, however, often damage surfaces such as the floor if the
structure is moved. For example, the feet may scratch, scuff, mar
or otherwise damage the floor if the structure is dragged or pushed
across the floor. In particular, many known feet are constructed
from plastic and the plastic feet may leave permanent marks in the
floor if the structure is pulled or otherwise moved across the
floor. In addition, these types of known feet often have a tendency
to undesirably break or come off when the structure is being moved,
which may damage the floor and/or the legs or leg assemblies.
[0009] Additionally, many conventional feet are designed to help
maintain a structure in a fixed position and to prevent the
structure from being inadvertently moved. Thus, for example, the
feet may be designed to create additional friction with the floor
so that the structure is more difficult to move. This may, for
example, prevent a table from being unintentionally moved if the
table is accidentally bumped into or if an object is placed on the
table. This, however, may make the structure much more difficult to
move to another location or position.
[0010] Conventional feet often require the structure to be lifted
so that the feet do not contact the floor when the structure is
being moved. While this may prevent the floor from being damaged or
marred, it may be very difficult, if not impossible, for some
people to lift the structure above the floor. In particular, it may
be very difficult to lift and move heavy structures such as large
tables. Thus, in order for some heavy structures to be moved, more
than one person may be required. This may be especially troublesome
if the structure is only to be moved a short distance or if only a
single person is readily available. Further, before moving these
types of structures, any objects on top of the structures may have
to be moved. This may be very time consuming if there are many
objects on the structure to be moved and it may be very difficult
if a heavy object is on the structure to be moved.
[0011] It is also known to attach wheels, such as castors, to
various structures to allow the structure to be more easily moved.
Known castors typically include a base, a wheel attached to the
base, and a post that extends upwardly from the base. In order to
attach the castor to a leg assembly, a corresponding aperture or
hole must be bored or drilled into the leg assembly. The post of
the castor is then placed in the aperture or hole. Additional
structures, such as screws or bolts, are often used to prevent the
castor from undesirably falling out or being removed from the hole
when the structure is lifted or being moved.
[0012] Disadvantageously, casters may be very difficult to attach
to many types of known legs and leg assemblies. In particular, it
may be very difficult to attach casters to a foot connected to a
table leg because, for example, the foot may consist of a
relatively thin, elongated metal tube. In addition, casters may not
be aesthetically pleasing and casters may detract from the design
or appearance of the structure because, among other reasons, the
casters are often relatively large objects. Further, the casters
may require a locking mechanism or other type of device to prevent
the structure from inadvertently moving or rolling on the floor.
Undesirably, this may increase the size and cost of the caster.
[0013] Conventional castors and other types of wheel assemblies
often include a number of components and are often relatively
heavy, which may undesirably increase the cost and weight of the
structure. Additionally, the casters and wheel assemblies may be
relatively expensive and may require a significant amount of time
to manufacture and install. In addition, holes or apertures may
have to be formed in the legs or leg assemblies and additional
parts may be required to attach the castors to the legs or leg
assemblies. Accordingly, casters may increase the weight and cost
of the structure, and the casters may interfere with the design and
appearance of the structure. Further, the casters may be
prohibitively heavy to be used in connection with structures that
are intended to be lightweight and portable.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] A need therefore exists for an end cap that eliminates the
above-described disadvantages and problems.
[0015] One aspect is an end cap that may be connected to a
structure such as a leg, leg assembly and/or foot. The end cap is
desirably sized and configured to be attached to a leg, leg
assembly or foot that has a generally circular configuration. For
example, the end cap may be attached to hollow rod or tube.
Advantageously, the end cap may be quickly and easily attached to
the leg, leg assembly and/or foot. In addition, the end cap can be
securely attached to the leg, leg assembly and/or foot, and the end
cap may be permanently or selectively attached to the leg, leg
assembly and/or foot.
[0016] Another aspect is an end cap for a leg, leg assembly and/or
foot that may allow the structure to be easily moved or
transported. In particular, the end cap may include a portion that
rotates to allow the structure to be rolled along a support surface
such as a floor or the ground. Thus, the end cap may allow a
structure to be quickly and easily moved from one location to
another. Advantageously, the end cap may allow a single person to
move relatively large and heavy structures without difficulty.
[0017] A further aspect is an end cap that can be used in
connection with a variety of structures that including legs, leg
assemblies and/or foot portions. For example the end cap may be
used with structures such as tables, chairs, benches, stands, carts
and the like. Advantageously, the end cap may be used in connection
with each of the legs, leg assemblies and/or foot portions, or only
a portion of the legs, leg assemblies and/or foot portions.
Significantly, the end cap may allow structures, such as table, to
be moved without requiring objects on the table to be first
removed.
[0018] Yet another aspect is an end cap that may have a relatively
straight-forward design that can be easily manufactured. For
example, the end cap is preferably constructed from plastic and the
end cap is preferably manufactured by either injection molding or
extrusion molding. Advantageously, this may allow the end cap to be
quickly and easily manufactured. In addition, the end cap may be
relatively low cost and it may be quickly and easily attached to
any suitable type of leg, leg assembly or foot. For example, the
end cap may be attached to a foot that is attached to a table leg
or table leg assembly. The foot is preferably an elongated hollow
tube or cylinder and at least a portion of the end cap is securely
attached to the hollow tube or cylinder by a friction, interference
or snap fit. Additionally, a portion of the end cap may rotate
relative to the foot to allow the structure to be easily rolled or
moved.
[0019] Still another aspect is an end cap that may be quickly and
easily attached to a structure by inserting a portion of the end
cap into an opening or depression. For example, the end cap may
include a retention assembly or inner portion that is inserted into
the opening or depression and an annular member that can rotate
relative to the retention assembly. The retention assembly
preferably prevents the end cap from being inadvertently dislodged
or removed, and the retention assembly may maintain the annular
member in the desired location. In greater detail, the retention
assembly may include a body portion that is at least partially
inserted into the opening or depression and a head portion with a
cap. The annular member is preferably at least partially disposed
about the body portion of the retention assembly and the annular
member is preferably rotatable or movable relative to the retention
assembly to allow the structure to be moved or transported.
[0020] A further aspect is an end cap that may include a retention
assembly that is sized and configured to allow the end cap to be
attached to a structure such as a foot of a table leg. The
retention assembly preferably includes a body portion with one or
more retention members that are sized and configured to allow the
end cap to be quickly and securely connected to the table leg foot.
The retention members, for example, may include one or more rings
and the rings may be tapered in size to allow at least a portion of
the retention assembly to be inserted into the foot. The retention
members may also include one or more bands, bumps, protrusions or
other suitable structures that allow the retention assembly to be
quickly and easily connected to the foot. Desirably, the retention
members connect the end cap to the foot by an interference,
friction or snap fit connection, but the end cap may be connected
to the structure by any suitable means or method.
[0021] A still further aspect is an end cap that may include a
retention assembly and an annular member that is rotatable relative
to the retention assembly to allow a structure to be easily moved
or transported. The annular member, however, may be securely
attached to the retention assembly so that the structure tends to
remain in a fixed or stationary position.
[0022] Still yet another aspect is an end cap that may include a
retention assembly and an annular member with a lip that is sized
and configured to restrict axial movement of the annular member
relative to the retention assembly. Desirably, the lip allows the
annular member to freely rotate with respect to the retention
assembly, but prevents the annular member from moving axially with
respect to the retention assembly.
[0023] Another aspect is an end cap that may include one or more
grooves, notches, channels, indentations or the like in the outer
surface. These grooves, notches, channels, indentations and the
like may be sized and configured to provide increased traction or
grip to allow the structure to be easily moved or transported.
Advantageously, the end cap desirably allows the structure to be
moved without marring or otherwise damaging a support surface such
as the floor.
[0024] Advantageously, the end cap can be used with a variety of
structures with one or more legs, leg assemblies or feet. In
addition, any suitable number of end caps may be used in connection
with a particular structure and end caps may be attached to all or
only some of the legs, leg assemblies or feet. Further, different
types of end caps may be used with the same structure. For example,
one or more end caps that include a rotatable portion that is sized
and configured to allow the structure to be moved may be attached
to one or more legs, leg assemblies or feet, and end caps that do
not include a rotatable portion may be attached to the other legs,
leg assemblies or feet. Thus, in this exemplary embodiment, the
structure will tend to remain in a fixed position and not
inadvertently move because only some of the end caps allow the
structure to roll along the floor. That is, the non-rotatable end
caps will maintain the structure in a fixed position. On the other
hand, if it is desired to move the structure, then a portion of the
structure may be lifted so that the non-rotatable end caps no
longer touch the floor and the structure can now roll or be moved
on the end caps with the rotatable portion. This allows the
structure to be easily moved or transported from one location to
another. Thus, the end caps may be arranged to allow the structure
to remain in a generally fixed position, if desired, and to allow
the structure to be moved by simply lifting one end or portion of
the structure. Of course, any suitable combination of end caps may
be used depending, for example, upon the intended use of the
structure. For example, all end caps with rotatable portions may be
used if it is desired to allow the structure to be more easily
moved. In addition, if the structure is intended to be used on a
surface such as a carpeted floor, then all rotatable end caps may
be used because the structure will not inadvertently move.
[0025] Another aspect is a table that may include a table top, at
least one table leg attached to the table top, the table leg
including an opening, and an end cap attached to the table leg. The
end cap may include a retention assembly with a body and a head, at
least a substantial portion of the body is disposed inside the
opening in the table leg and at least a substantial portion of the
head is disposed outside the opening in the table leg. The end cap
may also include an annular member including a first end, a second
end, an inner surface and an outer surface, at least a portion of
the table leg is disposed inside the annular member, at least a
portion of the annular member is disposed between the table leg and
the head of the retention assembly, the annular member is rotatable
relative to the table leg to facilitate movement of the table. The
annular member may also include a lip that is sized and configured
to limit axial movement of the annular member with respect to the
table leg and the lip may be at least partially disposed between
the head of the retention assembly and the table leg.
[0026] Still another aspect is an end cap that may be sized and
configured to be attached to an opening in support leg for a
structure. The end cap may include a retention assembly with a body
and a head, at least a portion of the body is disposed inside the
opening in the support leg, at least a portion of the head is
disposed outside the opening in the support leg, and the head has a
larger outer diameter than an outer diameter of the body. The end
cap may also include an annular member with a first end, a second
end, an inner surface, an outer surface and a lip, at least a
portion of the support leg is disposed inside the annular member,
at least a portion of the lip is disposed between the support leg
and the head of the retention assembly, and the annular member is
rotatable relative to the support leg to facilitate movement of the
structure. The lip preferably extends inwardly from the first end
of the annular member and the lip is sized and configured to limit
axial movement of the annular member with respect to the table
leg.
[0027] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the
present invention will become more fully apparent from the
following detailed description of preferred embodiments and
appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] The appended drawings contain figures of preferred
embodiments to further clarify the above and other aspects,
advantages and features of the present invention. It will be
appreciated that these drawings depict only preferred embodiments
of the invention and are not intended to limits its scope. The
invention will be described and explained with additional
specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings
in which:
[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a
table, illustrating four exemplary end caps attached to the
table;
[0030] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the end cap shown in FIG.
1;
[0031] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the end cap
shown in FIG. 2, illustrating an outer portion of the end cap;
[0032] FIG. 4 is a side view of a portion of the end cap shown in
FIG. 2, illustrating an inner portion of the end cap;
[0033] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the inner portion of the end cap
shown in FIG. 4;
[0034] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment
of a portion of an end cap, illustrating an inner portion of the
end cap;
[0035] FIG. 7 is a side view of the inner portion of the end cap
shown in FIG. 6;
[0036] FIG. 8 is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a
portion of an end cap, illustrating an inner portion of the end
cap;
[0037] FIG. 9 is a side view of still another exemplary embodiment
of a portion of an end cap, illustrating an inner portion of the
end cap; and
[0038] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of yet another
exemplary embodiment of an end cap, illustrating the end cap
attached to an exemplary portion of a foot for a table leg.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0039] The present invention is generally directed towards an end
cap for a structure such as a table leg. The principles of the
present invention, however, are not limited to end caps for table
legs. It will be understood that, in light of the present
disclosure, the end caps disclosed herein can be successfully used
in connection with other types of furniture and structures.
[0040] Additionally, to assist in the description of the end cap,
words such as top, bottom, front, rear, right and left are used to
describe the accompanying figures. It will be appreciated, however,
that the end cap can be located in a variety of desired
positions--including various angles, sideways and even upside down.
A detailed description of the end cap now follows with reference to
the accompanying figures, which are not necessarily drawn to
scale.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 1, an end cap 10 is connected to a table
12. In particular, four end caps 10 are connected to the table 12
and the table is sized and configured to be used by a single
person. It will be appreciated, however, that the end caps 10 may
be connected to any suitable size and type of table such as a
utility table, card table, conference table, round table and the
like. It will also be appreciated that the end caps 10 may be used
in conjunction with a wide variety of other structures such as
chairs, benches, stands, carts and the like. In fact, the end caps
10 may be used in connection with any structures that include one
or more legs, legs assemblies and/or feet. Thus, while the end cap
10 will be discussed and shown in the accompanying figures in
connection with a table 12, the end cap could be used with other
structures.
[0042] Advantageously, as discussed in detail below, the end caps
10 may be used in conjunction with structures that are capable of
being moved from one location to another and the end caps may
facilitate movement of the structures. Thus, for example, if the
end caps 10 are used in connection with the table 12, the end caps
may allow the table to be easily transported and moved. The end
caps 10, however, do not have to be used in conjunction with
structures that are capable of being moved.
[0043] The end caps 10, as shown in FIG. 1, are preferably attached
to the legs or leg assemblies 14 of the table 12. In greater
detail, the leg assemblies 14 may include two elongated support
members 16 and a foot 18 that is connected to the ends of the
elongated support members. The elongated support members 16 and
feet 18 may be constructed from metal tubes, for example, to allow
lightweight leg assemblies 14 to be manufactured. It will be
understood, however, the table 12 may include any suitable type,
style, design and number of legs 14 depending, for example, upon
the particular type of table.
[0044] The ends caps 10 are preferably connected to the ends of the
feet 18. For example, if the feet 18 consist of hollow tubes or
cylinders, the end caps 10 may be inserted into the ends of the
feet. Of course, the end caps 10 may be connected to any suitable
portion of the legs 14 and the feet 18 may have a variety of
different sizes and configurations that may be used in connection
with the end caps. Accordingly, the end caps 10 may have various
shapes, sizes and configurations depending, for example, upon the
size and configuration of the table 12, leg 14 and/or foot 18.
[0045] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the end cap 10 preferably
includes an annular member 20 with a first end 22, second end 24,
an outer surface 26 and an inner surface 28. The annular member 20
is preferably sized and configured to be disposed about the end of
the foot 18 of the table leg 14. In particular, the annular member
20 is preferably generally hollow, but the inner surface 28 may
include one or more generally inwardly extending protrusions or
structures that may be designed to connect the annular member to
the table leg 14 or to allow the annular member to rotate relative
to the table leg. For example, the inner surface 28 may include a
plurality of slots or grooves 30 that extend generally along the
length of the annular member 20 to allow the annular member to be
securely connected to the table leg 14, if desired, or the slots
and grooves may be sized and configured to allow the annular member
to rotate about the table leg 14. It will be understood that the
inner surface 28 of the annular member 20 may also include one or
more rings, projections, extensions or the like to allow the
annular member 20 to be securely or rotatably connected to the
table leg 14.
[0046] The annular member 20 of the end cap 10 preferably also
includes a generally inwardly extending lip 32. The lip 32
preferably extends inwardly from the inner surface 28 of the
annular member 20 and the lip is preferably disposed towards or at
the first end 22 of the annular member 20. The lip 32 is preferably
sized and configured to abut the end of the foot 18 of the table
leg 14 and limit the amount that the foot can be inserted into the
annular member 20. In particular, the foot 18 of the table leg 14
preferably has an outer diameter and the inner diameter of the
annular member 20 is preferably generally equal to or greater than
the outer diameter of the foot to allow the annular member to be
connected to the foot or rotate about the foot. The inner diameter
of the lip 32 is preferably smaller than the outer diameter of the
foot 18 to prevent that portion of the annular member 20 from being
disposed about the foot.
[0047] The outer surface 26 of the annular member 20 is preferably
rounded or curved along its length and it includes a contact
surface 34 that is desirably configured to contact a support
surface such as the floor or ground. The contact surface 34 is
preferably disposed towards a center portion 36 of the annular
member 20 and the outer surface 26 may include one or more notches,
grooves, channels, indentations or the like 38. The notches 38, as
shown in the accompanying figures, preferably do not extend the
entire length of the annular members 20 and the notches may assist
in moving the table 12, as discussed below. It will be understood
that the annular member 20 may also have other suitable shapes and
sizes depending, for example, upon the intended use of the end cap
10 and/or the configuration of the table 12. For example, the outer
surface 26 of the annular member 10 may have a generally constant
diameter and/or the notches 38 may extend the entire length of the
annular member. It will be appreciated that the annular member 20
does not require the notches 38 and, for example, the outer surface
26 may include a concave or other type of surfaces.
[0048] The annular member 20 and other portions of the end cap 10
are preferably constructed from a relatively strong, sturdy and
impact resistant material such as plastic. The plastic end caps 10
may be constructed by injection molding, extrusion molding,
compression molding or other suitable processes or methods.
Advantageously, the plastic end cap 10 can be molded into a wide
variety of suitable configurations and the plastic end cap may be
quickly and easily manufactured. The end cap 10 may also be
constructed from an elastomeric material. Advantageously, the
elastomeric material may increase the impact resistance of the end
cap 10 and may allow the end cap to slightly deform so that forces
can be absorbed without damaging the end cap. In addition, the
elastomeric material may allow, for example, the annular member 20
to slightly deform and conform to a surface or the ground so as to
provide increased traction or grip. It will be appreciated that the
entire end cap 10, or various portions of the end cap, may be
constructed from a wide variety of materials with suitable
characteristics and properties.
[0049] The end cap 10 also includes a retention assembly 40 that
may be used to attach the end cap to a structure such as the foot
18 of the table 12. In particular, the retention assembly 40 may be
securely attached to the foot 18 of the table leg 14 and the
retention assembly may remain in a generally fixed position
relative to the foot. The retention assembly 40 may also be used to
prevent the annular member 20 from being inadvertently removed from
the table leg 14. Additionally, the retention assembly 40 may be
used to keep the annular member 20 in the desired position.
Further, as discussed in greater detail below, the retention
assembly 40 may be used to allow the annular member 20 to rotate
relative to the foot 18 of the table leg 14.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 4, the retention assembly 40 may include a
body 42 that is sized and configured to be inserted into an opening
or depression in the foot 18 of the table leg 14. In particular, if
the foot 18 is constructed from a hollow metal tube, then the
retention assembly 40 can simply be inserted into the end of the
foot. It will be appreciated, however, that the retention assembly
40 may be attached to the foot 18 or table leg 14 in any desired
manner or configuration.
[0051] The retention assembly 40 preferably also includes a head 44
that is intended to be disposed outside of the foot 18 of the table
leg 14. In particular, the head 44 preferably includes a cap 46
with an inner surface 48, an outer surface 50 and an outer
periphery 52. The cap 46 is preferably sized and configured to
prevent or otherwise restrict axial movement of the annular member
20 relative to the retention assembly 40 and the foot 18 of the
table leg 14. Specifically, the cap 46 is preferably sized and
configured to position and maintain the annular member 20 in a
particular position. For example, as best seen in FIG. 10, the
retention assembly 40 and the cap 46 may be sized and configured to
position and maintain the annular member 40 about the distal end of
the foot 18 of the table leg 14. It will be appreciated that the
retention assembly 40 and the cap 46 may also be sized and
configured to position and maintain the annular member 20 in other
desired locations or configurations.
[0052] As best seen in FIG. 4, the outer surface 50 of the cap 46
has a concave or inwardly curved face and the outer periphery 52
may include one or more notches or depressions 54. The depressions
54 may, for example, be sized and configured to facilitate
attachment of the retention assembly 40 to the foot 18 of the table
leg 14. It will be appreciated, however, that the outer surface 50
and the outer periphery 52 of the retention assembly 40 could also
have other suitable configurations and arrangements. For example,
the outer surface 50 of the cap 46 could have a generally flat or
convex configuration.
[0053] The inner surface 48 of the cap 46 of the retention assembly
40 preferably includes one or more projections 56 that are sized
and configured to be disposed within a portion of the annular
member 20. In particular, the projections 56 preferably extend
towards the body 42 of the retention assembly 40 and the
projections are sized and configured to be disposed within the lip
32 of the annular member 20. Desirably, the projections 56 are
sized and configured to fit within the lip 32 of the annular member
20 so that the annular member may rotate relative to the retention
assembly 40. The projections 56, however, could also be sized and
configured to connect the annular member 20 to the retention
assembly 40, if desired. In addition, the projections 56 do not
have to be disposed within the lip 32 of the annular member 20 and,
in contrast, the projections could be disposed adjacent and/or in
contact with the lip or other suitable portions of the annular
member. It will be understood that the projections 56 could also be
a flange, step or other suitable structure. It will also be
understood, however, that the retention assembly 40 does not
require the projections 56.
[0054] As discussed above, at least a portion of the body 42 of the
retention assembly 40 is preferably sized and configured to be
inserted into an opening or depression in the foot 18 of the table
leg 14. In particular, as best seen in FIG. 4, the body 42 of the
retention member 40 preferably includes an elongated portion 60
with a generally X-shaped cross-sectional configuration, but the
elongated portion could have any suitable configuration including
cylindrical, tubular, oblong, polygonal, oval, and the like. A
plurality of generally circular engagement (or retention) members
62 are disposed about the elongated portion 60 and the engagement
members are sized and configured to contact the inner surface of
the foot 18 of the table leg 14. Preferably, the engagement members
62 securely engage the inner surface of the foot 18 so that the
retention assembly 40 is securely held in a fixed position by a
friction or interference fit. Advantageously, this may allow the
retention assembly 40 to be quickly and easily connected to the
foot 18 by simply inserting the elongated body 60 into the foot and
the friction or interference fit may secure the retention assembly
in the desired position. It will be appreciated, however, that the
retention assembly 40 could be attached to the table leg 14 by any
suitable means or manner. The engagement members 62 may also have
other suitable shapes and configurations depending, for example,
upon the size and configuration of the table leg 14. For example,
the engagement members 62 may have a generally oval configuration
if the table leg 14 has an oval configuration, or the engagement
members 62 may have a generally square or rectangular configuration
if the table leg 14 has a square or rectangular configuration.
[0055] In greater detail, as best seen in FIG. 4, the engagement
members 62 may include an outer surface 64 and an inner surface 66.
Desirably, the engagement members 62 are tapered from the outer
surface 64 to the inner surface 66 to allow the engagement members
to be more easily inserted into the foot 18 of the table leg 14. In
particular, the outer surface 64 of the engagement members 62 may
have a diameter that is generally equal to or less than an inner
diameter of the foot 18 and the inner surface 66 may have a
diameter that is equal to or greater than the inner diameter of the
foot. Advantageously, this may allow the engagement members 62 to
securely engage the inner surface of the foot 18. In addition, the
engagement members 62 may be spaced apart to allow the members to
slightly bend or deflect as the engagement members are inserted
into the foot 18 of the table leg 14. This may allow a secure
friction or interference fit to be established between the
elongated body 60 of the retention assembly 40 and the foot 18.
[0056] As shown in the accompanying figures, the engagement members
62 preferably completely encircle the elongated portion 60 of the
retention assembly 40. The engagement members 62, however, do not
have to completely encircle the elongated portion 60 of the
retention assembly 40. In contrast, engagement members 62 may
extend only about a portion of the elongated portion 60 or the
engagement members may be divided into one or more parts. Further,
if desired, only a single engagement member 62 may be used to
connect the retention assembly 40 to the table leg 14 or a
plurality of engagement members may be used to connect the
retention assembly to the table legs. The engagement members 62,
however, do not have to be used to connect the retention assembly
40 to the table leg 14 and other suitable methods and/or mechanisms
may be used to connect the retention assembly to the table leg
14.
[0057] The elongated portion 60 and engagement members 62 of the
retention assembly 40 may also have other suitable shapes and
configuration depending, for example, upon the type of table leg 14
or the intended use of the table 12. For example, it the table leg
14 has a generally square or rectangular configuration, then the
elongated portion 60 and/or engagement members 62 may also have a
similar square or rectangular configuration. Of course, the
elongated portion 60 and engagement members 62 could have any
suitable size, shape and configuration
[0058] For example, as seen in FIGS. 6-10, other exemplary
embodiments of the retention assembly 40 may include an elongated
body 68 with a generally hollow interior and a generally circular
cross-section. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a plurality of generally
circular engagement members 70 may extend outwardly from the
elongated body 68. As best seen in FIG. 7, the engagement members
70 may have different thicknesses depending, for example, upon the
positioning of the engagement member along the elongated body 68.
This may help secure the retention assembly 40 to the foot 18 of
the table leg 14.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 8, another exemplary embodiment of the
retention assembly 40 includes an elongated body 68 one or more
spaced apart bands 72. The outer surface 74 of the bands 72 are
preferably sized and configured to engage the inner surface of the
foot 18 of the table leg 14. Thus, the outer surface 74 of the
bands 72 may connect the elongated body 68 of the retention
assembly to the foot 18 by a friction or interference connection.
In particular, the diameter of the outer surface 74 of the bands 72
is preferably slightly larger than the inner diameter of the foot
18 such that the retention assembly 40 is securely attached to the
table leg 14. Additionally, the outer surface 74 of the bands 72
may be slightly deformable or bendable to allow a secure friction
or interference fit to be established between the retention
assembly 40 and the foot 18.
[0060] In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, the engagement members 62
may include one or more bumps or protrusions 76 that extend
outwardly from the elongated body 60 of the retention assembly 40.
The protrusions 76 are preferably spaced and configured to allow
the retention assembly 40 to be securely attached to the foot 18 of
the table leg 14. The protrusions 76 include an upper surface 78
that is sized and configured to engage the inner surface of the
foot 18 of the table leg 14. The upper surface 78 may be rounded,
curved, flat, sloped, etc. depending, for example, upon the size
and configuration of the retention assembly 40 or the table leg 14.
Additionally, the protrusions 76 may be arranged into a
predetermined or random patterned, as desired. Further, the upper
surface 78 of the protrusions 76 may be slightly deformable or
movable to allow a secure friction or interference fit to be
established.
[0061] As discussed above, the engagement members 62 preferably
securely attach the retention assembly 40 to the foot 18 of the
table leg 14. In addition, the engagement members 62 and/or the
retention assembly 40 may have various shapes, sizes and
configurations depending, for example, upon the type of table 12
and/or table leg 14. The retention assembly 40 may also be attached
to the table leg 14 by other suitable means or methods such as
fasteners, adhesives and the like.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 10, in order to connect the end cap 10 to
the table leg 14, the annular member 20 is positioned about the
foot 18 of the table leg 14. In particular, at least a portion of
the body of the annular member 20 is disposed about the foot 18 and
the lip 32 is disposed proximate an end of the foot. The body 42 of
the retention assembly 40 is then inserted through the opening in
the annular member 20 and into the foot 18 of the table leg 14. The
engagement members 62 preferably engage the inner surface of the
foot 18 to securely connect the retention assembly 40 to the table
leg 14. As shown, portions of the engagement members 62 may deflect
or deform against the inner surface of the foot 18 to help create a
secure friction or interference connection of the retention
assembly 40 to the table leg 14. While the retention assembly 40 is
preferably securely attached to the foot 18 of the table leg 14,
and the annular member 20 is preferably rotatable about the end of
the foot 18 of the table leg 14. The lip 32 of the annular member
20, however, preferably prevents or otherwise restricts the axial
movement of the annular member relative to the foot 18 of the table
leg 14. That is, the lip 32 preferably allows annular member 20 to
freely rotate about the foot 18, but the lip prevents the annular
member from moving along the length of the foot. It will be
appreciated that the retention assembly 40 may also secure the
annular member 20 in a fixed position, if desired, and the
retention assembly could be rotatably connected to the foot 18 of
the table leg 14, if desired.
[0063] Advantageously, the end cap 10 can be used in connection
with a wide variety of legs and leg assemblies. Additionally,
because the annular member 20 and the retention assembly 40 may be
rotatably coupled or secured to the structure in a fixed position,
the end cap 10 can be used on structures that are intended to
remain in a generally fixed position or on structures that are
intended to be moved. Thus, the end caps 10 may include an annular
member 20 that is freely rotatable relative to the table leg 14 or
the end caps may include an annular member that is not rotatable
relative to the table leg. Thus, the end caps 10 may be rotatable
or non-rotatable.
[0064] Significantly, the rotatable end caps 10 may be used to
allow a structure, such as a table, to be easily moved from one
location to another. The non-rotatable end caps 10, however, may be
used to secure a structure in a generally fixed position. In
addition, a structure may include both rotatable end caps 10 and
non-rotatable end caps to allow the structure to be moved when
desired and to remain in a fixed position when desired. For
example, rotatable end caps 10 may be attached to the legs on one
side of the structure and non-rotatable end caps may be attached to
the legs on the other side of the structure. That is, rotatable end
caps 10 may be connected to the ends of a foot disposed on one side
of the structure and non-rotatable end caps may be connected to the
ends of an opposing foot. When it is desired to move the structure,
the end of the structure with the non-rotatable end caps 10 may be
lifted off the ground and the structure may be rolled on the
rotatable end caps. Advantageously, this allows the structure to be
quickly and easily moved. On the other hand, when the non-rotatable
end caps contact the ground, this prevents the structure from
inadvertently moving. Thus, the structure will not inadvertently
move when the non-rotatable end caps contact the ground, but the
structure can be easily movable by simply tilting or pivoting the
structure onto the rotatable end caps. Of course, some or all of
the end caps 10 may be rotatable, non-rotatable or any combination
thereof depending, for example, upon the intended use of the end
caps 10.
[0065] Although this invention has been described in terms of
certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments apparent to those
of ordinary skill in the art are also within the scope of this
invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is intended to
be defined only by the claims which follow.
* * * * *